Case with positionable shelf therein

ABSTRACT

A case with a positionable shelf. The case has a bottom with bottom sides and a top with top sides that together in a closed position enclose a space therebetween. The positionable shelf is in the case bottom and has a shelf support system. The shelf support system has a pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the shelf and the bottom sides of the case. The pair of supports have at least two spaced apart legs with each including a tensioner connected with and between the legs. The positonable shelf is movable from (i) a collapsed position fully contained within the case bottom and with the tensioner in an extended condition to (ii) an extended position located outside of the case bottom and with the tensioner in a retracted condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US21/40236, filed on Jul. 2, 2021 and titled CASE WITH POSITIONABLE SHELF THEREIN, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/047,974, filed Jul. 3, 2020, and titled: LOCKABLE LONG GUN CASE WITH UNIQUE BRACKET AND MOVABLE SHELF.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to devices for holding goods, and more particularly to an elongated case with a movable shelf therein to aid in holding more, and more easily accessing, the goods stored in the case in an organized manner.

BACKGROUND

Cases have long been used to store goods inside for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. With certain types of goods, for example guns or other items for individual compartment storage, it is best and safest to only stack them one layer deep inside the case. Thus, this presents a challenge to fully utilize the space inside a case when the goods are less than a height of the case and/or it is desirable to carry more goods in fewer cases. Additionally, even if stacked only one layer deep, it is not possible to selectively access each layer all at one time with any of the existing cases available.

However, there is a need to address one or more of the deficiencies in the art to aid in achieving more desirable requirements and avoiding negative ones, for storage cases, and preferably in a way that is more convenient and consistently reliable for such devices. For example, it would be desirable to have a movable rigid shelf that separates one layer of goods from another layer so each layer can be simultaneously viewed and accessed if desired, without compromising the storage ability and safety when access is not desired and/or storage of the goods inside the case and the case in a closed position, is desired.

SUMMARY

To address one or more deficiencies in the art and/or better achieve the desirable requirements for a case, there is provided a case with a positionable shelf therein. The case has a case bottom with bottom sides project upward therefrom and a case top with top sides projecting downward therefrom. The case bottom is movably connected to the case top such that the case top can be moved between an open position and a closed position with the case top resting on the case bottom and thereby enclose a space between the case bottom and the case top. The positionable shelf is located in the case bottom and having a shelf support system connected to and between the positionable shelf and the case bottom. The shelf support system includes a left side shelf bracket connected to a left side of the positionable shelf and a right side shelf bracket connected to a right side of the positionable shelf. The shelf support system also includes a left bottom sides bracket connected to a left side of the case bottom and a right bottom sides bracket connected to a right side of the case bottom. Further, the shelf support system includes a left pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the left side shelf bracket and the left bottom sides bracket, and a right pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the right side shelf bracket and the right bottom sides bracket. The left pair of supports include at least two spaced apart left legs with each of the at least two spaced apart left legs including a left tensioner connected with and between each of the at least two spaced apart left legs. The right pair of supports include at least two spaced apart right legs with each of the at least two spaced apart right legs including a right tensioner connected with and between each of the at least two spaced apart right legs. The positonable shelf is movable from (i) a collapsed position fully contained within the case bottom and with the tensioner in an extended condition to (ii) an extended position located outside of the case bottom and with the tensioner in a retracted condition.

Without being limited to a theory of understanding or required features, a case with a positionable shelf of my invention, and particularly so for a case that carries guns, keepsakes or fragile items, can help achieve one or more of the following, if desired:

-   -   Liftable top layer for easy access to bottom layer of items         under the shelf of the case for storage and/or display.     -   Raises up: approximately 18-30 centimeters, large load capacity:         approximately 20-30 kilograms, relatively simple functioning;     -   Will rise and lower preferably without noise, when in upward         extended position there is preferably minimal gap between the         shelf and shelf support system connecting it to the case;     -   Lots of space for creativity, convenience, storage and         showcasing; and,     -   Turns a conventional case into a functional display and also can         be used as a lockable safe.

In other aspects, there is disclosed a case with a positionable shelf therein. The case has a case bottom with bottom sides project upward therefrom and a case top with top sides projecting downward therefrom. The case bottom is movably connected to the case top such that the case top can be moved between an open position and a closed position with the case top resting on the case bottom and thereby enclose a space between the case bottom and the case top. The positionable shelf is located in the case bottom and having a shelf support system connected to and between the positionable shelf and the case bottom. The shelf support system includes a left side shelf bracket connected to a left side of the positionable shelf and a right side shelf bracket connected to a right side of the positionable shelf. The shelf support system also includes a left bottom sides bracket connected to a left side of the case bottom and a right bottom sides bracket connected to a right side of the case bottom. Further, the shelf support system includes a left pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the left side shelf bracket and the left bottom sides bracket, and a right pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the right side shelf bracket and the right bottom sides bracket. The left pair of supports include at least two spaced apart left legs with each of the at least two spaced apart left legs including a left tensioner post projecting therefrom and a left tensioner is connected at opposite ends to and between each left tensioner post. The right pair of supports include at least two spaced apart right legs with each of the at least two spaced apart right legs including a right tensioner post projecting therefrom and a right tensioner is connected at opposite ends to and between each right tensioner post. The positonable shelf is movable from (i) a collapsed position fully contained within the case bottom and with the tensioner in an extended condition to (ii) an extended position located outside of the case bottom and with the tensioner in a retracted condition.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to configurations and features for the case bottom, the position shelf, and the shelf support system, each in and of itself as well as may be related to each other and other parts of the case and/or the shelf.

As used herein, “connect” and formatives thereof, means at least temporarily joined together, for example using screws, bolts and/or nuts, a nail, an adhesive, or formed together; and includes rigidly connected for no movement relative to each other or movably connected for axial movement relative to one another but not allowing complete separation from each other where each part would move completely independent of the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a case with a positionable shelf therein, the case in the closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of that in FIG. 1 , with the case top in an open position and the positionable shelf in a collapsed position, and where articles (not shown) can be placed on the shelf as well as under the shelf and directly on the case bottom;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of that in FIG. 2 , with the positionable shelf in an extended position;

FIG. 4 is right side view of that in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a front view of that in FIG. 4 , taken along the line 5-5;

FIG. 6 is an inside view looking outward of a left side of the shelf support system, the system in the extended position;

FIG. 7 is a front view of that in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a view of that in FIG. 6 , with the support system in the collapsed position;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that in FIG. 5 , but showing an alternate embodiment of a positonable shelf in the case; and,

FIG. 10 is a view of that in FIG. 9 , now with the shelf and support system in the collapsed position.

The drawings show some but not all embodiments. The elements depicted in the drawings are illustrative and not necessarily to scale, and the same (or similar) reference numbers denote the same (or similar) features throughout the drawings, though all the same (or similar) features are not always separately numbered to help avoid over numbering and obscuring what the drawings are disclosing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the practice of my case 10 with a positionable shelf 30 therein, as seen in the Figures, there is a case bottom 12 with bottom sides 14 projecting upward therefrom and a case top 16 with top sides 18 projecting downward therefrom. Case 10 preferably can be a hard-shell lockable case, like for guns or other items needing limited access. Shelf 30 is sized to fit inside the case and can be any shape desired, and preferably mimics the shape of the case. The case bottom 12 is movably connected to the case top 16, for example by a hinge 19 or multiple such hinges, such that the case top can be moved from an open position (FIGS. 2-5, 9-10 ) to a closed position (FIG. 1 ) resting on the case bottom and thereby enclose a space 20 between the case bottom 12 and the case top 16. The positionable shelf 30 is located in the case bottom 12 and has a shelf support system 40 connected to and between the positionable shelf 30 and the case bottom 12. For example, as in FIGS. 2-5 , the shelf support system can be connected to and between opposite ends 32, 34 of the positionable shelf and adjacent sides 22, 24, respectively, of the case bottom. That is, some portion of the shelf support system can be connected to and between end 32 and adjacent side 22, and additionally or alternately, some portion of the shelf support system can be connected to and between end 34 and adjacent side 24. As another example, in FIGS. 9-10 , the shelf support system can be connected to and set in from opposite ends 32, 34 of the positionable shelf. That is, no portion of the shelf support system is connected between end 32 and adjacent side 22, and additionally or alternately, no portion of the shelf support system is connected between end 34 and adjacent side 24.

The shelf support system 40 includes a left side shelf bracket 42 connected to a left side 32 of the positionable shelf and a right side shelf bracket 44 connected to a right side 34 of the positionable shelf. System 40 also includes a left bottom sides bracket 46 connected to a left side 22 of the case bottom 12 and a right bottom sides bracket 48 connected to a right side 24 of the case bottom. Further, system 40 includes a left pair of supports 50 rotatably connected at opposite ends to the left side shelf bracket 42 and the left bottom sides bracket 46 and a right pair of supports 60 rotatably connected at opposite ends to the right side shelf bracket 44 and the right bottom sides bracket 48. The left pair of supports 50 include at least two spaced apart left legs, e.g., preferably a front left leg 52 and a back left leg 54, with each of the at least two spaced apart left legs 52, 54 including a left tensioner 56 connected with and between each of the at least two spaced apart left legs 52, 54. The right pair of supports 60 include at least two spaced apart right legs, e.g., preferably a front right leg 62 and a back right leg 64, with each of the at least two spaced apart right legs 62, 64 including a right tensioner 66 connected with and between each of the at least two spaced apart right legs 62, 64.

The positonable shelf 30 is movable from (i) a collapsed position 36 fully contained within the case bottom 12 and with each tensioner 56, 66 in an extended condition to (ii) an extended position 38 located outside of the case bottom 12 and with each tensioner 56, 66 in a retracted condition. For example, shelf 30 can be pulled up and out rearwardly in a cantilever fashion to go from the collapsed position 36 to the extended position 38. In this regard, preferably each tensioner assists the movement of the shelf between the collapsed position 36 and the extended position 38, and/or to help hold the shelf 30 in place when it is in its respective positions 36, 38, i.e., so shelf 30 does not have a tendency to move out of these positions unless and until acted upon by the user of the case to do so. Additionally, preferably each tensioner 56, 66 can be a spring, such as a coil spring, or they could be a pneumatic cylinder to obtain a similar connected rotatable tensioner action for the shelf support system 40.

Other aspects are further directed to the shelf support system 30. For example, the at least two spaced apart left legs 52, 54 can each include a left tensioner post 58 a, 58 b projecting therefrom and the left tensioner 56 connected at opposite ends to and between each left tensioner post 58 a, 58 b. Additionally, preferably, the left tensioner post 58 a and/or 58 b projects inward toward a center 26 of the case. Still additionally, or alternately, preferably each left tensioner post 58 a and/or 58 b is located a different distance to the positionable shelf 30 when the positionable shelf is in the extended position 38. In this regard, for example, distance 70 a between post 58 a and the shelf 30 is preferably less than distance 70 b between post 58 b and the shelf 30. Yet still additionally, or alternately, preferably the at least two spaced apart left legs are the front left leg 52 and the back left leg 54, and where the left tensioner post 58 a of the front left leg 52 is located closer the positionable shelf than is the left tensioner post 58 b of the back left leg 54 when the positionable shelf 30 is in the extended position 38.

Considering yet other aspects of case 10 and positonable shelf 30, there is disclosed similar features as just discussed, but for the right side of the shelf support system 40. For example, the at least two spaced apart right legs 62, 64 can each include a right tensioner post 68 a, 68 b projecting therefrom and the right tensioner 66 connected at opposite ends to and between each right tensioner post 68 a, 68 b. Additionally, preferably, the right tensioner post 68 a and/or 68 b projects inward toward center 26 of the case. Still additionally, or alternately, preferably each right tensioner post 68 a and/or 68 b is located a different distance to the positionable shelf 30 when the positionable shelf is in the extended position 38. In this regard, for example, distance 70 a between post 68 a and the shelf 30 is preferably less than distance 70 b between post 68 b and the shelf 30. Yet still additionally, or alternately, preferably the at least two spaced apart right legs are the front right leg 62 and the back right leg 64, and where the right tensioner post 68 a of the front right leg 62 is located closer the positionable shelf 30 than is the right tensioner post 68 b of the back right leg 64 when the positionable shelf 30 is in the extended position 38.

Turning to still other aspects, and related to the pair of supports and enhancing the versatility and compactness of the shelf support system 40, preferably the left pair of supports 50 can be located tucked between the left side 32 of the positionable shelf 30 and the left side 22 of the case bottom 12 when the positionable shelf is in the collapsed position 36 (i.e., FIGS. 2-5 ). Additionally or alternately, in similar regard, preferably the right pair of supports 60 can be located tucked between the right side 34 of the positionable shelf 30 and the right side 24 of the case bottom 12 when the positionable shelf is in the collapsed position 36 (i.e., FIGS. 2-5 ). Yet additionally or alternately, preferably the left bottom sides bracket 46 and/or the right bottom sides bracket 48 is connected to the case bottom 12 and/or bottom sides 14 in any desired way (i.e., all FIGS. where visible). Preferably, this connection can be by a block(s) 47, 49 (e.g., of wood or similar acting material) connected directly to the inside bottom area of the case and then the brackets 46, 48 connected to the respective block 47, 49. In this additional way, space can be provided inside the case between the outer ends of the shelf and the bottom sides of the case for locating the shelf completely within the bottom of the case in the collapsed position and providing an upper surface for the location of guns and padding on top of the shelf. Even more preferably, two protrusion regions 46 a, 48 a are provided in the intermediate section of each bottom sides bracket 46, 48, respectively, for passage of bolts and placement of nuts to rotatably secure the adjacent ends of the pair of supports 50, 60, respectively.

Preferred dimensions of the case 10 and shelf 30 are approximately: 4 inches to 10 inches high and preferably about 6 to 8 inches high; 14 inches to 24 inches wide and preferably about 17 to 21 inches wide; and, 45 inches to 70 inches long and preferably about 53 to 61 inches long. Conventional rigid materials can be used to make the case and shelf in conjunction with the teaching herein, for example, steel, aluminum, or other metal compositions of sufficient strength as would be discerned by one of ordinary skill in the art in combination with the teachings herein, are preferred for the case, and these materials or wood for the shelf.

Additional discussion of embodiments in various scopes now follows:

-   A. A case with a positionable shelf therein. The case has a case     bottom with bottom sides project upward therefrom and a case top     with top sides projecting downward therefrom. The case bottom is     movably connected to the case top such that the case top can be     moved between an open position and a closed position with the case     top resting on the case bottom and thereby enclose a space between     the case bottom and the case top. The positionable shelf is located     in the case bottom and having a shelf support system connected to     and between the positionable shelf and the case bottom. The shelf     support system includes a left side shelf bracket connected to a     left side of the positionable shelf and a right side shelf bracket     connected to a right side of the positionable shelf. The shelf     support system also includes a left bottom sides bracket connected     to a left side of the case bottom and a right bottom sides bracket     connected to a right side of the case bottom. Further, the shelf     support system includes a left pair of supports rotatably connected     at opposite ends to the left side shelf bracket and the left bottom     sides bracket, and a right pair of supports rotatably connected at     opposite ends to the right side shelf bracket and the right bottom     sides bracket. The left pair of supports include at least two spaced     apart left legs with each of the at least two spaced apart left legs     including a left tensioner connected with and between each of the at     least two spaced apart left legs. The right pair of supports include     at least two spaced apart right legs with each of the at least two     spaced apart right legs including a right tensioner connected with     and between each of the at least two spaced apart right legs. The     positonable shelf is movable from (i) a collapsed position fully     contained within the case bottom and with the tensioner in an     extended condition to (ii) an extended position located outside of     the case bottom and with the tensioner in a retracted condition. -   B. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the shelf support system     is connected to and between opposite ends of the positionable shelf     and adjacent sides of the case bottom. -   C. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the at least two spaced     apart left legs each include a left tensioner post projecting     therefrom and the left tensioner is connected at opposite ends to     and between each left tensioner post. -   D. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the left tensioner post     projects inward toward a center of the case. -   E. The case of any prior embodiment wherein each left tensioner post     is located a different distance to the positionable shelf when the     positionable shelf is in the extended position. -   F. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the at least two spaced     apart left legs are a front left leg and a back left leg and the     left tensioner post of the front left leg is located closer the     positionable shelf than is the left tensioner post of the back left     leg when the positionable shelf is in the extended position. -   G. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the at least two spaced     apart right legs each include a right tensioner post projecting     therefrom and the right tensioner is connected at opposite ends to     and between each right tensioner post. -   H. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the right tensioner post     projects inward toward a center of the case. -   I. The case of any prior embodiment wherein each right tensioner     post is located a different distance to the positionable shelf when     the positionable shelf is in the extended position. -   J. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the at least two spaced     apart right legs are a front right leg and a back right leg and the     right tensioner post of the front right leg is located closer the     positionable shelf than is the right tensioner post of the back     right leg when the positionable shelf is in the extended position. -   K. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the left pair of     supports are located tucked between the left side of the     positionable shelf and the left side of the case bottom when the     positionable shelf is in the collapsed position. -   L. The case of any prior embodiment wherein the right pair of     supports are located tucked between the right side of the     positionable shelf and the right side of the case bottom when the     positionable shelf is in the collapsed position.

Each and every document cited in this present application, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is incorporated in this present application in its entirety by this reference, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed in this present application or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this present application conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this present application governs.

The present invention includes the description, examples, embodiments, and drawings disclosed; but it is not limited to such description, examples, embodiments, or drawings. As briefly described above, the reader should assume that features of one disclosed embodiment can also be applied to all other disclosed embodiments, unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the present application are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation using the teachings disclosed in the present application. Modifications and other embodiments will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art of manufacturing storage cases for goods, like guns or other safely handled items, and all such modifications and other embodiments are intended and deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A case with a positionable shelf therein comprising: a case bottom with bottom sides projecting upward therefrom, a case top with top sides projecting downward therefrom, and the case bottom movably connected to the case top such that the case top can be moved to a closed position resting on the case bottom and thereby enclose a space between the case bottom and the case top; the positionable shelf located in the case bottom and having a shelf support system connected to and between the positionable shelf and the case bottom; the shelf support system comprising: a left side shelf bracket connected to a left side of the positionable shelf, a right side shelf bracket connected to a right side of the positionable shelf, a left bottom sides bracket connected to a left side of the case bottom, a right bottom sides bracket connected to a right side of the case bottom, a left pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the left side shelf bracket and the left bottom sides bracket, and a right pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the right side shelf bracket and the right bottom sides bracket; the left pair of supports comprising at least two spaced apart left legs with each of the at least two spaced apart left legs including (i) a left tensioner connected with and between each of the at least two spaced apart left legs and (ii) a left tensioner post projecting therefrom inward toward a center of the case and the left tensioner is connected at opposite ends to and between each left tensioner post; the right pair of supports comprising at least two spaced apart right legs with each of the at least two spaced apart right legs including (i) a right tensioner connected with and between each of the at least two spaced apart right legs and (ii) a right tensioner post projecting therefrom inward toward a center of the case and the right tensioner is connected at opposite ends to and between each right tensioner post; and, wherein the positionable shelf is movable from (i) a collapsed position fully contained within the case bottom and with each tensioner in an extended condition to (ii) an extended position located outside of the case bottom and with each tensioner in a retracted condition.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the shelf support system is connected to and between opposite ends of the positionable shelf and adjacent sides of the case bottom.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein each left tensioner post is located a different distance to the positionable shelf when the positionable shelf is in the extended position.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the at least two spaced apart left legs are a front left leg and a back left leg and the left tensioner post of the front left leg is located closer to the positionable shelf than is the left tensioner post of the back left leg when the positionable shelf is in the extended position.
 5. The case of claim 1, wherein each right tensioner post is located a different distance to the positionable shelf when the positionable shelf is in the extended position.
 6. The case of claim 1, wherein the at least two spaced apart right legs are a front right leg and a back right leg and the right tensioner post of the front right leg is located closer to the positionable shelf than is the right tensioner post of the back right leg when the positionable shelf is in the extended position.
 7. The case of claim 1, wherein the left pair of supports are located tucked between the left side of the positionable shelf and the left side of the case bottom when the positionable shelf is in the collapsed position.
 8. The case of claim 1, wherein the right pair of supports are located tucked between the right side of the positionable shelf and the right side of the case bottom when the positionable shelf is in the collapsed position.
 9. A case with a positionable shelf therein comprising: a case bottom with bottom sides projecting upward therefrom, a case top with top sides projecting downward therefrom, and the case bottom movably connected to the case top such that the case top can be moved to a closed position resting on the case bottom and thereby enclose a space between the case bottom and the case top; the positionable shelf located in the case bottom and having a shelf support system connected to and between the positionable shelf and the case bottom; the shelf support system comprising: a left side shelf bracket connected to a left side of the positionable shelf, a right side shelf bracket connected to a right side of the positionable shelf, a left bottom sides bracket connected to a left side of the case bottom, a right bottom sides bracket connected to a right side of the case bottom, a left pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the left side shelf bracket and the left bottom sides bracket, and a right pair of supports rotatably connected at opposite ends to the right side shelf bracket and the right bottom sides bracket; the left pair of supports comprising at least two spaced apart left legs with each of the at least two spaced apart left legs including a left tensioner post projecting therefrom inward toward a center of the case and a left tensioner is connected at opposite ends to and between each left tensioner post; the right pair of supports comprising at least two spaced apart right legs with each of the at least two spaced apart right legs including a right tensioner post projecting therefrom inward toward a center of the case and a right tensioner is connected at opposite ends to and between each right tensioner post; and, wherein the positionable shelf is movable from (i) a collapsed position fully contained within the case bottom and with each tensioner in an extended condition to (ii) an extended position located outside of the case bottom and with each tensioner in a retracted condition.
 10. The case of claim 9, wherein each left tensioner post is located a different distance to the positionable shelf when the positionable shelf is in the extended position.
 11. The case of claim 9, wherein the at least two spaced apart left legs are a front left leg and a back left leg and the left tensioner post of the front left leg is located closer to the positionable shelf than is the left tensioner post of the back left leg when the positionable shelf is in the extended position.
 12. The case of claim 9, wherein each right tensioner post is located a different distance to the positionable shelf when the positionable shelf is in the extended position.
 13. The case of claim 9, wherein the at least two spaced apart right legs are a front right leg and a back right leg and the right tensioner post of the front right leg is located closer to the positionable shelf than is the right tensioner post of the back right leg when the positionable shelf is in the extended position.
 14. The case of claim 11, wherein the at least two spaced apart right legs are a front right leg and a back right leg and the right tensioner post of the front right leg is located closer to the positionable shelf than is the right tensioner post of the back right leg when the positionable shelf is in the extended position. 